Kavalan Ex-Bourbon Oak Taiwanese Single Malt Whisky 750ml

Kavalan Ex-Bourbon Oak is the vatted bourbon cask expression from the Kavalan Distillery in Yuanshan, Yilan County, Taiwan, the country's first whisky distillery and now one of the most awarded single malt producers in the world. Founded in 2005 by the King Car Group with first bottlings released in 2008, Kavalan has rocketed from new world unknown to global icon in less than two decades, helped by its rapid maturation in Taiwan's hot subtropical climate where whisky matures dramatically faster than in cooler Scotland or Japan. This Ex-Bourbon Oak expression is the vatted version of the celebrated Kavalan Solist Bourbon Cask single barrels, drawing from the same hand selected first fill American ex bourbon barrels but blending multiple casks together and reducing with pure Kavalan spring water from the Snowy Mountain range to a smooth 46% ABV. The whisky is distilled in lantern shaped copper pot stills (previously used at the Glenlivet Distillery in Scotland and originally crafted by the legendary Forsyths cooperage) from malted barley imported from Scotland and fermented with mineral rich Taiwanese spring water. The result is a bright, tropical, vanilla and coconut forward Taiwanese single malt that perfectly showcases the distillery's signature subtropical maturation character. Awarded 94 points by Tastings.com, Gold at the World Whiskies Awards, and Gold in its category at the International Spirits Challenge.

ABV / Proof

Tasting Notes

Color: Luminous pale amber to light apple juice gold, one of the palest Kavalans in the range.

Nose: Dessert and orchard fruit forward, with vanilla custard, coconut shavings, honeyed malt, pear, green apple, pineapple, soft citrus, fresh cut grass, and gentle oak spice, lifted by a clean almost coastal freshness rather than heavy sherry weight.

Palate: Silky and gliding, with clean tropical fruitiness, pleasant vanilla, coconut, spices, apple pie, cream, soft sweetness, and a lifted bright bourbon cask brightness from the subtropical maturation.

Finish: Well balanced and silky smooth, with natural sweetness, vanilla, oak spice, licorice, menthol, and round complex depth.

FAQ

How is Taiwanese whisky different from scotch or Japanese whisky? Taiwan's subtropical climate causes whisky to mature dramatically faster than in cooler Scotland or Japan, with the "angel's share" (annual evaporation loss) running at around 12% to 15% per year, compared to 2% per year in Scotland. This means a 5 to 8 year old Kavalan typically delivers a depth of cask interaction comparable to a 15 to 20 year old scotch. The result is bold, expressive, fruit forward whiskies with strong cask character, often described as having more tropical and vibrant intensity than restrained Scottish or Japanese single malts.

How is Ex-Bourbon Oak different from Solist Bourbon Cask? Both come from the same hand selected first fill American ex bourbon casks at the Kavalan Distillery. The Solist Bourbon Cask is a single cask, cask strength, non chill filtered bottling at around 54% to 59% ABV, drawn from one barrel. The Ex-Bourbon Oak is the vatted (blended) version, marrying multiple ex bourbon casks together and reducing with Kavalan spring water to a smoother 46% ABV. It offers the same general flavor profile in a more consistent, more approachable, and more affordable presentation.

What makes Kavalan distinctive? Founded in 2005 by the King Car Group, Kavalan was Taiwan's first whisky distillery and remains the nation's only family owned whisky producer. The distillery uses Forsyths lantern shaped copper pot stills (some originally used at the Glenlivet Distillery), Scottish imported malted barley, and pure mineral rich water drawn from the Snowy Mountain range. The fast subtropical maturation in Taiwan's hot humid climate produces a uniquely bold, fruit forward signature unlike any other whisky region in the world. Kavalan has won "World's Best Single Malt" at the World Whiskies Awards and is widely regarded as one of the most acclaimed new world whisky producers of the 21st century.

How should I drink Kavalan Ex-Bourbon Oak? At 46% ABV it shines neat in a Glencairn glass with no water needed, allowing the bright tropical fruit and vanilla to fully open. A single drop of room temperature spring water can soften the finish if desired. It also makes an exceptional base for a Whisky Highball or a luxurious Old Fashioned. Avoid heavy mixers, which mask the delicate tropical character of the spirit.

Where can I buy Kavalan Ex-Bourbon Oak online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.